Monday, January 31, 2011

As I write this There is a young guitar aficionado somewhere who will be the next Uber musician climbing to the top. He will have stood on the shoulders of past greats and will pay his respects for all they have taught him. He has worked tirelessly on his craft and his speed, fluidity and creativity will reflect his essence. This special talent will be perceptible from his earliest playing and through out his career.I must confess that I am biased about guitar players in general and my loyalties are rooted in the past. Not long ago I happened to find a you tube video of Joe Bonomassa, Jimmy Vivino and Herbert Sumlin. I am sorry that I don't remember the name of the fourth player, a young kid who reminded me of a Stevie Ray. On the stage these four men represented the blues past, present and future. Each played a solo, that showcased their unique skills. Each musician had stellar talent, and I fought against the urge to say who was the best. Try as I may I found myself drawn to Joe because his tone was perfect, his facility was impossible to deny and he could really sing. It has been a long, long time since I reconnected to another player. If you get a chance please check this out.Your friend,Allen B.